Light fixtures and installation methods thereof

Abstract

This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for securing a light fixture in place. In one aspect, the light fixture can be configured to retain an LED-based light engine, which may be thinner and/or lighter than conventional light engines. In another aspect, the light fixture can be configured to be installed in a pre-cut aperture in a structural member, such as a ceiling, soffit, or wall. In another aspect, the light fixture may include a serrated upper edge configured to cut into a structural member to form an aperture, without the need to pre-cut the aperture.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A self-anchoring light fixture, comprising:
 a body portion configured to retain a light engine;   a bezel removably coupled to a first side of the body portion, wherein the bezel permits light from the light engine to exit the light fixture through a central portion of the bezel; and   a hollow cylindrical member extending from a second side of the body portion opposite the first side and having a cross-sectional diameter, wherein the cylindrical member includes a serrated upper edge.   
     
     
         2 . The fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the body portion has a first cross-sectional dimension, and wherein the hollow cylindrical member has a cross-sectional diameter, wherein the cross-sectional diameter of the cylindrical member is less than the first cross-sectional dimension of the body portion. 
     
     
         3 . The fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical member includes a pilot drill extending upwards beyond the serrated upward edge of the cylindrical member and a support assembly supporting the pilot drill. 
     
     
         4 . The fixture of  claim 3 , wherein the support assembly includes a plurality of arms extending inwardly from the interior walls of the cylindrical member. 
     
     
         5 . The fixture of  claim 3 , wherein at least the support assembly and the pilot drill are detachable from the light fixture. 
     
     
         6 . The fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical member includes a wiring adapter extending upward from the body portion along at least a portion of the height of the cylindrical member, wherein the wiring adaptor is configured to provide a conductive path between the light engine and an external power source. 
     
     
         7 . The fixture of  claim 6 , wherein the wiring adaptor is supported by a plurality of arms extending inwardly from the interior walls of the cylindrical member. 
     
     
         8 . The fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical member includes a thread extending around an outer surface of the cylindrical member. 
     
     
         9 . A light fixture, comprising a body portion configured to receive a light engine and including a hollow cylindrical portion with at least one thread extending around a surface of the hollow cylindrical portion. 
     
     
         10 . The fixture of  claim 9 , additionally including a bezel extending around the perimeter of the body portion. 
     
     
         11 . The fixture of  claim 10 , wherein the hollow cylindrical portion has a first diameter, and wherein the bezel has a second diameter, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter. 
     
     
         12 . The fixture of  claim 9 , wherein an upper edge of the hollow cylindrical portion is configured to cut into a wall or ceiling material during installation of the fixture. 
     
     
         13 . The fixture of  claim 12 , wherein the body portion includes one or more receptacles adapted to receive portions of a drive tool to allow the light fixture to be rotated during installation of the fixture. 
     
     
         14 . A method of installing a light fixture, comprising:
 providing a light fixture, the light fixture including:
 a body portion configured to retain a light engine on a first side of the body portion, wherein the body portion has a first cross-sectional dimension; and 
 a hollow cylindrical member extending from a second side of the body portion opposite the first side, and having a diameter, and wherein the cylindrical member includes a serrated upper edge; 
   forming an aperture in a wall or ceiling by rotating the light fixture such that the serrated edge of the cylindrical member cuts through the wall or ceiling to form an aperture; and   inserting at least a portion of the cylindrical member into the aperture.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the light fixture additionally includes a pilot drill extending upwards beyond the serrated upward edge of the cylindrical member and a support assembly supporting the pilot drill, wherein the pilot drill is configured to retain the light fixture in place during the rotation of the light fixture to form the aperture in the ceiling or wall. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , additionally including removing the pilot drill and support assembly after the aperture is formed in the ceiling or wall. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , additionally including securing a bezel to the first side of the body portion, wherein the bezel permits light from the light engine to exit the light fixture through a central portion of the bezel. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , additionally including securing a light engine within the body portion of the fixture. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , additionally including connecting the light engine to a power source via wiring extending through the cylindrical member. 
     
     
         20 . A method of installing a light fixture, comprising:
 providing a light fixture having a body portion configured to receive a light engine and a hollow cylindrical portion with at least one thread extending around a surface of the hollow cylindrical portion; and   rotating the light fixture such that the thread engages the interior of an aperture formed in a wall or ceiling and at least a portion of the hollow cylindrical portion is inserted into the aperture.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the upper edge of the hollow cylindrical portion is configured to cut into a wall or ceiling during installation of the fixture, and rotation of the hollow cylindrical portion also forms the aperture in the wall or ceiling by cutting into the wall or ceiling. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the body portion of the light fixture includes one or more receptacles adapted to receive portions of a drive tool, and wherein rotating the light fixture includes:
 inserting portions of a drive tool into the receptacles in the body portion of the light fixture; and   rotating the drive tool to cause rotation of the light fixture.   
     
     
         23 . A light fixture, comprising a body portion configured to receive a light engine and including a hollow cylindrical portion having means for retaining the light fixture relative to a structural member. 
     
     
         24 . The light fixture of  claim 23 , wherein the retaining means include at least one thread extending around a surface of the hollow cylindrical portion. 
     
     
         25 . The light fixture of  claim 23 , additionally including means for forming an aperture within a structural member. 
     
     
         26 . The light fixture of  claim 25 , wherein the forming means include a serrated or sharp edge of the cylindrical portion.